The Cromer Terrace blog - for independent graduate perspectives on Current Affairs, Cultural Issues and The Arts

Friday, 3 August 2012

A beneficial friendship: Egyptian-US relations

Hilary Clinton’s visit to Cairo in mid July re-affirmed the
United States’ support for a democratic Egypt. Clinton and President Morsi
discussed, what she described as the “broad and enduring relationship” between
the United States and Egypt, which has been mutually beneficial for both
nations over the years. Egypt has, in recent history, been an ally of the US
and has played an important role in protecting the US’ interests in the region.
Clinton’s meeting with President Morsi covered a number of topics that are
pivotal to the relationship between the two countries, including, democracy,
stability and most importantly Israel. The uncertainty that arose from the
toppling of Mubarak certainly would have worried US foreign policy makers. The
aspects of the relationship have changed, the US is no longer dealing with an
autocrat that can be controlled easily, but now they must deal with a
democratically elected President who is charged with upholding the interests of
the people he represents.

Many might take it for granted that maintaining a good
relationship with the US is necessary, but in Egypt there are a number of
reasons why the US might not be seen as a friend. The US has an image of being
a meddler in Middle Eastern affairs, a view shared by many across the region.
The strong and unwavering support for Israel serves to alienate much of the
region’s population further, not to mention the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In addition to this the strong relationships with the corrupt and authoritarian
regimes in the region puts the trust of the US at quite a low level in the
Middle East. Why then, should Egypt maintain a relationship with the US if all
they seem to do is cause trouble in the region? Why shouldn’t the Arab world
return to fighting for the Palestinian homeland?

Money is the answer. Egypt is one of the largest
beneficiaries of US spending, and much of this is reliant on the peace with
Israel. Even if Egypt wanted to go to war with Israel they wouldn’t be able to
afford it. Egypt’s domestic issues are desperately critical. Poverty is rampant
throughout and the economy is in tatters. With many tourists being put off by
the scenes of a violent revolution, one of Egypt’s biggest industries has been
hit hard. It is clear that now, more than ever, that Egypt could benefit from
some extra money in order to stabilise itself.This was part of Clinton’s support package and it seems that Morsi has
taken it and has since give assurance to his Israeli counterpart that he will
work for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The US believe that with Egypt secured as an ally, the
region is stable as far as Israel is concerned, apart from the game of nuclear
cat and mouse with Iran. At this point the interdependency between Egypt and
the US is just as it always has been: necessary. If Egyptians were hoping for
change then it will not occur in foreign affairs. It seems that some things
cannot be changed by a revolution.